Russia's Medvedev and Sudanese President Bashir discuss upcoming independence referendum

[News_Editor]

Russia's Medvedev and Sudanese President Bashir discuss upcoming independence referendum

2010-10-26 08:48:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

MOSCOW (BNO NEWS) -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Sudanese President Omar Bashir on Monday discussed reconciliation in Sudan in relation to a referendum on independence in Southern Sudan, scheduled for early January.

Bashir provided Medvedev with a positive assessment of Russia's efforts to promote finding a resolution to existing problems, according to the Kremlin, which said the leaders spoke by telephone on Monday.

In turn, Medvedev emphasized Russia's readiness to continue working actively with Sudan within the framework of the international community's efforts, which he said must be impartial, well-balanced, and based on constructive cooperation with Khartoum.

"At the same time, Mr Medvedev noted that timely elections serve the long-term interests of Sudan and the entire region, and in this regard, supported Omar Bashir's repeated statements about holding the referendum as scheduled," the Kremlin said in a statement.

During the conversation, the presidents expressed their support for strengthening trade and economic ties between their nations and discussed specific areas for this kind of cooperation.

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